New Delhi: In a landmark initiative to strengthen the healthcare workforce and expand the reach of public health services, Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda distributed appointment letters to newly recruited nursing officers and allied healthcare professionals at a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event, graced by several dignitaries including Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta and senior ministers, also saw the launch of 70 Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans aimed at accelerating healthcare inclusion in the national capital.
Historic Appointments After 15 Years
For the first time in 15 years, appointment letters were formally distributed to Delhi-based nursing and allied healthcare professionals. A total of 1,388 nursing officers and 41 paramedical professionals were offered positions through the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB). Of these, 570 nursing officers and 20 refractionists have already received their letters, with ongoing document verification covering over 1,270 candidates.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Nadda called this a “momentous occasion”, acknowledging the years of neglect that Delhi’s healthcare system had faced. He noted that this recruitment drive is a critical step toward resolving workforce shortages in hospitals and ensuring better healthcare delivery.
Revolution in Primary Healthcare: 1,100 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Coming to Delhi
Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta announced an ambitious plan to establish 1,100 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) across Delhi by March 31, 2026. Backed by ₹1,700 crore under the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), this initiative aims to democratize healthcare by making primary, preventive, and promotive services accessible to every citizen.
Of the target, 100 AAMs have already been built, with 34 inaugurated. The Delhi Government plans to launch 100 AAMs monthly, with an equitable distribution of 15 in each Assembly Constituency and 150 per Parliamentary Constituency.
Mobile Healthcare on Wheels: Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans Flagged Off
A key highlight of the event was the flagging off of 70 specially designed Information, Education & Communication (IEC) vans. These mobile units are equipped with real-time registration facilities for Ayushman Cards and will travel across all Assembly Constituencies of Delhi for a 30-day outreach program. This initiative ensures doorstep enrollment for low-income families and senior citizens, particularly under the Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme.
Out of the 4 lakh Ayushman cards issued in Delhi so far, 2 lakh have benefited senior citizens, ensuring healthcare access with dignity.
Remarkable Progress in Healthcare Outcomes
Shri Nadda shared several compelling statistics that reflect India’s progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
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Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): Reduced from 130 to 88 per lakh live births.
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Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Declined from 39 to 26 per 1,000 live births.
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Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR): Dropped by 42% compared to the global decline of 14%.
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Neonatal Mortality Rate: Improved by 40% against a global average decline of 11%.
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Tuberculosis Incidence: Reduced by 17.7%, more than double the global average decline.
These statistics underscore the success of programs like Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which ensure a continuum of care from conception to early childhood, including immunization and maternal support.
Medical Education and Infrastructure: From Scarcity to Abundance
The minister also highlighted a massive expansion in medical education:
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AIIMS institutions: Increased from 7 to 20 since 2014.
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Medical colleges: Grown from 387 to 780.
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Medical seats: More than doubled from 51,000 to 1,18,000, with a target of adding 75,000 more in five years.
This reflects the Government’s commitment to not just expanding access but also building a future-ready healthcare ecosystem.
Transparent and Accessible Healthcare: A People-First Approach
Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta emphasized that every Delhi hospital now hosts a Jan Aushadhi Kendra, ensuring access to affordable medicines. She reaffirmed her government’s resolve to maintain transparency, eliminate corruption, and bring quality healthcare to every doorstep.
Conclusion: A New Era in Delhi’s Healthcare Begins
The combined efforts of the Central and Delhi Governments are ushering in a transformational era for public health in the national capital. With strengthened human resources, expanded primary care infrastructure, and proactive inclusion measures like Ayushman vans, Delhi is well on its way to becoming a model healthcare hub. The emotional and symbolic significance of today’s appointments—15 years in the making—resonates with the spirit of “Seva, Samarpan, and Swasthya for All.”
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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